Toilet seat liner

ABSTRACT

One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/370,077 filed on Aug. 2, 2010, whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that venereal diseases, viruses, and germs exist on toiletseats and are transmitted to individuals when in direct contact with thetoilet seat. Therefore, many users prefer to use a toilet seat liner orcover which prevents direct contact between the user and the toiletseat. I.e., users, especially in public restrooms, often use a toiletseat liner to prevent coming into direct contact with a toilet seat.

However, these toilet seat liners suffer from a number of drawbacks. Inparticular, these toilet seat liners are often made of paper or asimilar material. In some instances, this is insufficient for protectingthe user. For example, the toilet seat liner can rip with even smallapplications of force. I.e., the placement of the toilet seat liner maybe sufficient to tear the toilet seat liner, leading to holes or tearswhere the user makes direct contact with the toilet seat. When tearsoccur, contaminants are able to pass through the toilet seat liner andmake contact with the user.

In addition, the toilet seat liners are often quite thin. This can leadto problems if the toilet seat includes a high amount of moisture. Inparticular, high amounts of moisture can pass through the toilet seatliner, making contact with the user. This can prevent the toilet seatliner from protecting the user from contaminants, as the user desires.

Further, the material used to create the toilet seat liner can itselfhost the contaminants that the user desires to avoid. I.e., microbes,bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants can live and breed inthe toilet seat liner. Thus the toilet seat liner itself can become asource of contamination to the user.

Moreover, the user does not know whether the toilet seat liner issanitary prior to use. I.e., if contaminants enter the package orsomeone attempts to reuse a toilet seat liner, the toilet seat liner maynot be sanitary even before being placed on the toilet seat. This caneliminate the benefits of using the toilet seat liner for the user.

Finally, the user is unable to reuse many toilet seat liners. I.e., thetoilet seat liners are intended to be used a single time, and thendisposed of. This can help prevent contamination from user to user, butleads to increased waste production. These toilet seat liners are eitherdisposed of in the toilet and flushed into sewer or septic systems orthrown into the trash, where they contributed to filling landfills.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner thatprevents contaminants from passing through the toilet seat liner.Additionally, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner thatcan kill microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants.Further, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that can bereused as necessary. Moreover, there is a need in the art for access tothe toilet seat liner to be controlled by the user. In addition, thereis a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that the user cantransport, as desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants ona toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes asubstrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where thesanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminantson a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes asubstrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outerportion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substratealso includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of thesubstrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toiletseat. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where thesanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminantson a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes asubstrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outerportion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substratealso includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of thesubstrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toiletseat. The substrate further includes a flat edge, where the flat edge isconfigured to correspond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, where one ormore toilet seat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flatedge of the toilet seat. The substrate additionally includes one or morecreases, where the one or more creases are configured to allow a user tofold the substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance,where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of thesubstrate. The system further includes one or more fasteners, where theone or more fasteners are configured to attach the substrate to thetoilet seat.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a system for preventingcontaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the system for preventingcontaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toiletseat liner;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example of a toiletseat liner;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded alonga first set of creases;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded alonga second set of creases;

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded alonga third set of creases; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner in a carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures willbe provided with like reference designations. It is understood that thefigures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of someembodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the presentinvention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a system 100 for preventingcontaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. FIG. 1Aillustrates a top perspective view of the system 100; and FIG. 1Billustrates a side view of the system 100. In at least oneimplementation, the system 100 can provide a layer between the user andthe toilet seat or other surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, thesystem 100 can prevent the spread of microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungiand other contaminants from the toilet seat to the user and vice versa,as described below.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show that the system 100 can be used with a toilet seat102. A toilet seat 102 is a hinged unit consisting of a seat which isbolted onto a toilet bowl 104. In at least one implementation, thetoilet seat 102 can be contoured for the user to sit on, and can includea lid 106, which covers the toilet when it is not in use. The toiletseat 102 may be built to fit the shape of the toilet bowl 104; twoexamples of this being the elongated bowl and the regular bowl.Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat 102 can include a closedshape or can include a gap near the front.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat 102 can bemade of various materials. For example, the toilet seat 102 can be madeof metal, plastic, wood or any other desired materials. Additionally oralternatively, the toilet seat 102 can include a covering for sanitationor comfort purposes. For example, the toilet seat 102 can include apadded covering.

FIGS. 1A and 1B also show that the system 100 can include a toilet seatliner 108. In at least one implementation, the toilet seat liner 108 isconfigured to be placed on the toilet seat 102. For example, the toiletseat liner 108 can be attached to the toilet seat 102. Additionally oralternatively, the toilet seat liner 108 can be placed on top of thetoilet seat 102 for temporary use. In particular, the toilet seat liner108 can be thicker and more durable than disposable toilet seat linerswhich tear easily during use.

FIGS. 1A and 1B further show that the toilet seat liner 108 can includean opening 110. In at least one implementation, the opening 110 can beplaced over the opening in the toilet seat 102. I.e., the toilet seatliner 108 can cover the toilet seat 102 without obstructing or otherwisecovering the opening in the toilet seat 102. The opening 110 can be anoval to fit over a toilet seat. Additionally or alternatively, theopening 110 can be any other desired shape.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a toilet seat liner 108. FIG.2A illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toilet seatliner 108; and FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of theexample of a toilet seat liner 108. In at least one implementation, thetoilet seat liner 108 is configured to be placed on a toilet seat.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include asubstrate 202. In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 canprovide a barrier between the user and the toilet seat. In particular,the substrate 202 provides a sanitary surface for a user. I.e., thesubstrate 202 can allow the user to avoid direct contact with the toiletseat on which the user is currently witting. The substrate 202 can bereusable and/or can be biodegradable, giving the user the option ofreusing the toilet seat liner 108 or disposing of the toilet seat liner108, as desired.

In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can be of sufficientwidth to prevent liquids and other materials on the toilet seat frommoving through the substrate 202. E.g., the substrate 202 can be between1 millimeter and 3 millimeters thick. For example, the substrate 202 canbe approximately 2 millimeters thick. As used in the specification andthe claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.

In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can include materialsthat are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or antifungalsubstances. In particular, the substances can prevent any contaminantson the toilet seat from coming into contact with the user. I.e., thesubstances can kill any bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi before thebacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi are able to infect the user. Forexample, the substances can include bamboo charcoal or some othersubstance. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the substancescan serve multiple purposes. For example, bamboo charcoal is a desiccantin addition to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, andantifungal properties.

In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can be made of anydesired material. In particular, the substrate 202 can include anymaterial which will contain the antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviraland/or antifungal substances. For example, the substrate 202 can includea paper or a fabric, either woven or non-woven. Nonwoven fabric is afabric-like material made from long fibers, bonded together by chemical,mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. I.e., nonwoven fabrics arefabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted.

FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include anattachment mechanism 204. In at least one implementation, the attachmentmechanism 204 can releasably attach the toilet seat liner 108 to atoilet seat. For example, the attachment mechanism 204 can include oneor more suction cups. Additionally or alternatively, the attachmentmechanism 204 can prevent lateral movement of the toilet seat linerrelative to the toilet seat. In particular, the attachment mechanism canstop the toilet seat liner from shifting while the user is using thetoilet seat liner 108.

FIGS. 2A and 2B further show that the toilet seat liner 108 can includeone or more creases 206. In at least one implementation, the one or morecreases 206 can be used to fold the toilet seat liner 108. Folding thetoilet seat liner 108 can allow the user to more easily transport thetoilet seat liner 108, as desired. The number of creases 206 candetermine the extent to which the toilet seat liner can be folded. Forexample, two creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to befolded in half, three creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 tobe folded in thirds, four creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner108 to be folded in fourths, and eight creases 206 can allow the toiletseat liner 108 to be folded in eighths.

In at least one implementation, the width of the creases 206 can besufficient to allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded. For example,the creases 206 can be between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters wide.E.g., the creases 206 can be approximately 3 millimeters wide.Additionally or alternatively, the creases 206 can extend through thesubstrate 202 from the opening to the outside edge of the substrate 202.

FIGS. 2A and 2B additionally show that the toilet seat liner 108 caninclude a flat edge 208. In at least one implementation, the flat edge208 can correspond to the rear of the toilet seat. In particular, theflat edge 208 can ensure that the toilet seat liner 108 fits properly onthe toilet seat even when a seat hinge or toilet seat lid is present.I.e., the flat edge 208 can match the flat edge of the toilet seat.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate an example of the toilet seat liner 108being folded along one or more creases 208. FIG. 3A illustrates anexample of a toilet seat liner 108 being folded along a first set ofcreases; FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 beingfolded along a second set of creases; and FIG. 3C illustrates an exampleof a toilet seat liner 108 being folded along a third set of creases. Inat least one implementation, folding the toilet seat liner 108 can allowthe toilet seat liner 108 to be transported by the user as desired. Forexample, the user can place the toilet seat liner 108 within a carryingcase for transporting the toilet seat liner 108, as described below.Transporting the toilet seat liner 108 can allow the user to have atoilet seat liner 108 available that the user is comfortable using atall times. I.e., the user can have a toilet seat liner 108 whichprovides greater protection than disposable toilet seat liners when athome, travelling or in public restrooms.

FIG. 3A shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a first timealong two creases 208 opposite one another. I.e., the creases 208opposite one another can both be oriented the same direction, allowingthe toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in approximately half.Additionally or alternatively, the creases 208 can allow the toilet seatliner 108 to be folded either direction. I.e., the crease 208 can allowthe toilet seat liner 108 to have a complete range of motion, so thatthe toilet seat liner 108 can be folded in either direction.

FIG. 3B shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a second timealong two additional creases 208 opposite one another. In at least oneimplementation, the additional creases 208 can allow the toilet seatliner to be folded in approximately one quarter of its original size.I.e., the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded along two creases 208 thatare located approximately half way between the creases 208 which allowthe toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in half. The additional creases208 can be oriented opposite one another, such that they are orientedthe same direction as one another once the toilet seat liner 108 hasbeen folded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additionalcreases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded eitherdirection.

FIG. 3C shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a third timealong four additional creases opposite one another. In at least oneimplementation, the four additional creases 208 can allow the toiletseat liner to be folded into approximately one eighth of its originalsize. I.e., the toilet seat liner 108 which has been folded in fourthcan be folded along four creases 208 that are located approximately halfway between the two additional creases 208 which allow the toilet seatliner 108 to be folded in fourths and the first two creases 208 whichallow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in half. The fouradditional creases 208 can be oriented such that they are oriented thesame direction as one another once the toilet seat liner 108 has beenfolded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additional creases208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded either direction.One of skill in the art can appreciate that the toilet seat liner 108can be folded into eighths by folding the toilet seat liner 108 whichhas been folded into fourths a single time, such as the example shown inFIG. 3C or can be folded accordion style.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 in a carryingcase 400. In at least one implementation, the carrying case 400 canallow the user to transport the toilet seat liner 108 to any desiredlocation. In particular, the carrying case 400 can allow the user tocarry the toilet seat liner 108 without requiring the user to touch orotherwise interact with the toilet seat liner 108 unless intended by theuser.

FIG. 4 shows that the carrying case 400 can include a cover 402. In atleast one implementation, the cover 402 can be configured to encase thetoilet seat liner 108. In particular, the cover 402 can partially orcompletely surround the toilet seat liner 108, allowing the user totouch the cover 402 rather than the toilet seat liner. The cover 402 caninclude any desired material. For example, the cover 402 can includewaterproof material that prevents any contaminants acquired during useon the toilet seat liner 108 from exiting the cover 402.

FIG. 4 also shows that the carrying case 400 can include a fastener 404.In at least one implementation, the fastener 404 can be configured toopen or close the cover 402, as desired by the user. In particular, thefastener 404 can allow the cover 402 to be closed, preventing thetransmission of any contaminants from the interior of the carrying case400 to the exterior of the carrying case, and vice versa. For example,the fastener 404 can include a zipper, a button, a hook and loopfastener or any other desired fastener. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the fastener 404 can be attached to a flap or othermechanism which allows the user access to the interior of the carryingcase 400.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming incontact with a user, the system comprising: a substrate; and asanitizing substance, wherein the sanitizing substance is embedded in atleast a portion of the substrate.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thesanitizing substance includes an antibacterial substance.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substance includes an antimicrobialsubstance.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substanceincludes an antifungal substance.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thesanitizing substance includes bamboo charcoal.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the substrate includes a fabric.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the substrate includes a non-woven fabric.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the substrate is between 1 millimeter thick and 3millimeters thick.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate isapproximately 2 millimeters thick.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinthe substrate includes a hole.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein thehole is configured to correspond with a hole in a toilet seat.
 12. Asystem for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contactwith a user, the system comprising: a substrate, wherein the substrateincludes: an outer portion, wherein the outer portion is configured tobe placed over a toilet seat; and a hole, wherein the hole: is locatedin an interior portion of the substrate; and is configured to be placedover an opening in a toilet seat; and a sanitizing substance, whereinthe sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of thesubstrate.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the substrate includes aflat edge on at least a portion of the edge of the substrate.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the flat edge is configured to correspond toa flat edge on the toilet seat, wherein one or more toilet seat hingesare attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of the toilet seat.15. The system of claim 12, wherein the substrate includes one or morecreases.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more creases areconfigured to allow a user to fold the substrate.
 17. A system forpreventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user,the system comprising: a substrate, wherein the substrate includes: anouter portion, wherein the outer portion is configured to be placed overa toilet seat; a hole, wherein the hole: is located in an interiorportion of the substrate; and is configured to be placed over an openingin a toilet seat; a flat edge, wherein the flat edge is configured tocorrespond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, wherein one or more toiletseat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of thetoilet seat; one or more creases, wherein the one or more creases areconfigured to allow a user to fold the substrate; a sanitizingsubstance, wherein the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least aportion of the substrate; and one or more fasteners, wherein the one ormore fasteners is configured to attach the substrate to the toilet seat.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more fasteners include asuction cup.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more creasesincludes eight creases.
 20. The system of claim 17 further comprising acarrying case, wherein the carrying case is configured to surround thesystem.